767.68119/11–1545: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey ( Wilson ) to the Secretary of State

1460. In calling yesterday on Secretary General of Foreign Office he informed me he had just received visit of Greek Ambassador who recounted following: On November 13, Soviet Ambassador accompanied by his Counselor Mikhailov called on him (Greek Ambassador). Soviet Ambassador brought conversation to question of US proposal for revision of Montreux Convention. He stated that proposal made little change in existing situation and that in particular in time war it failed to provide guarantee for Soviet security. Greek Ambassador asked what he meant by guarantee. Vinogradov replied Soviet security in time war could be guaranteed only by control of Straits and this could be joint Soviet-Turk control permitting USSR use of bases in Straits. Raphael stated that from his 10 years’ residence here he was convinced Turks would never agree to such proposition. Soviet Ambassador replied he was not so sure of this; Turkey might agree “under certain conditions”. Raphael asked what these conditions were but Vinogradov was evasive. Greek Ambassador remarked US proposal had been drawn up within framework of Montreux Convention. Soviet Ambassador replied that “spirit” of agreement of Big Three at Potsdam did not mean that framework of convention need necessarily be retained and that entirely new system for Straits could be established without reference to Montreux Convention. Raphael inquired whether Soviet Govt intends to present its own proposal to Turkish Govt. Vinogradov replied that Soviet point of view had been set forth to Turkish Ambassador at Moscow last June and to Americans and British at Potsdam.

Commenting on foregoing Erkin said to me that Vinogradov’s reference to “certain conditions” under which Turkey might accept Soviet-Turk control of Straits doubtless meant in return for treaty of alliance with USSR. Turkey, however, would never pay such price. If, moreover, objective of Vinogradov talk with Raphael was [Page 1279] to encourage Turks to take further initiative vis-à-vis Soviet Govt it would not succeed. Turkish Govt had just recently had under consideration whether it should take further initiative with Soviet Govt and had reached decision it would be unwise to do so. (See Embassy’s 1446, November 12, 5 p.m.96)

Later yesterday Greek Ambassador came to tell me himself of Vinogradov’s visit. His account confirmed what Erkin had told me at second hand as reported above. He added following: He had come to know Vinogradov well during 7 years of latter’s residence in Ankara; they used to meet and talk together frequently until 6 months ago when Vinogradov stopped seeing him. Visit on November 13 was first in 6 months. It was clear that Vinogradov came to see him under instructions from Soviet Govt to tell a definite story with purpose of having it repeated to Turkish Govt. Soviets know that Raphael has close relations with Turkish Govt and enjoys their confidence. In fact Vinogradov had on various occasions in past similarly used Raphael to bring Soviet views indirectly to Turkish Govt.

From foregoing these points emerge:

1.
Views which Vinogradov stated to me on November 2nd (Emb’s 1412, November 3, 6 p.m.) and which at that time must have been his personal views have now been confirmed by Soviet Govt.
2.
Soviet Govt considers our proposal not acceptable.
3.
Soviets have no intention of making a new proposal of their own but intend to stand on position stated in Moscow last June and later at Potsdam.
4.
Soviet Govt wishes Turkish Govt informed indirectly of points 2 and 3 above.
5.
USSR envisages solution Straits question on basis bilateral agreement with Turkey. US and Britain see solution on international basis within framework Montreux Convention. Upshot of which is that one more difference on question of principle has arisen between USSR on one hand and US and Britain on other.

Sent Dept as 1460, repeated to Moscow as 103.

Wilson
  1. Not printed.